Summer holidays mean road trips, beach days and plenty of time in the car, and lots of Aussie dogs come along for the ride. A little preparation keeps your dog safer, keeps you on the right side of the road rules and keeps your car seats in one piece.
What the road rules say
Rules differ between states, but one is the same everywhere in Australia: you must not drive with a dog on your lap. It's treated as not having proper control of your vehicle, and you can be fined and lose demerit points.
Some states go further. Dogs travelling on the back of a ute generally have to be secured, and some states have rules or animal welfare laws that apply if an unrestrained dog is hurt. Even where restraint inside the car isn't legally required, it's strongly recommended. Check the current rules for your state with your local transport authority before a long trip.
Your before-you-go checklist
1. Restrain your dog properly
An unrestrained dog can distract you, get thrown around in sudden braking and be hurt by an airbag in the front seat. The safest place for most dogs is the back seat or the cargo area, secured in one of these ways:
- A car restraint harness that clips into the seatbelt buckle. Choose one sold specifically for car use, ideally crash-tested. A regular walking harness or collar isn't designed for crash forces.
- A secured crate or carrier, best for small dogs and cats. Put it on the floor behind a front seat or belt it in so it can't slide. Our foldable soft travel crate and expandable carrier bag are handy for vet visits and shorter trips.
- A cargo barrier for larger dogs travelling in the back of an SUV or wagon.
2. Protect your seats
A waterproof back-seat cover keeps fur, sand and muddy paws off your upholstery and gives your dog a non-slip surface. In hammock style, it also stops your dog sliding into the footwell. Our waterproof car seat cover and dog hammock ships from an Australian warehouse. A seat cover is for comfort and cleanliness, so still use a proper restraint as well.
3. Pack the essentials
- water and a bowl, plus extra on hot days
- lead and harness for stops (our reflective no-pull harness and leash set is great for walks at rest stops)
- poop bags (try a clip-on poop bag dispenser)
- an old towel for wet or sandy paws
- any medication, your vet's number and your dog's microchip details
- a favourite blanket or toy that smells like home
4. Plan regular stops
On long drives, stop every couple of hours so your dog can stretch, toilet and drink. Always clip the lead on before opening the car door, especially near busy roads and service stations.
5. Keep heads inside
It's tempting to let your dog hang their head out the window, but flying debris and insects can injure eyes and ears, and dogs can fall or jump out. Open windows just a little for fresh air.
6. Help nervous or car-sick dogs
Start with short, fun trips that end somewhere good, like the park, not just the vet. Avoid a big meal right before travelling, keep the car cool and calm, and talk to your vet if your dog gets very anxious or sick in the car.
Never leave your dog in a parked car
This is the most important rule of all, especially in an Australian summer. The RSPCA warns that a dog can die in a hot car in as little as six minutes, and that the temperature inside a parked car can quickly climb to double the outside temperature, even on mild days, in the shade or with the windows down.
If you're stopping somewhere your dog can't come in, leave them at home or take turns staying with them outside in the shade. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call the police on 000 or your local RSPCA.
Shop the essentials
You'll find seat covers, carriers, soft crates, harnesses and walking gear in our Out & About collection. Free standard shipping on orders of $79 or more.
This guide is general information. Road rules and penalties change and differ by state, so check your state's transport authority for the current rules.
Sources: RSPCA WA – dogs in hot cars warning; RSPCA South Australia – dogs in cars; Drive – Is it illegal to have your dog in the front seat?